Compassion Here and NowNäide

He longs to gather us in.

Have you ever felt rejected? I still remember many years ago, trying out for the basketball team in middle school, and I didn’t make the team. Rejection hurts, and Jesus knows the feeling.

Jesus came into the world He created—fully God, in human form. He came to rescue His people from their self-destructive ways and restore them to friendship with God.

But…they rejected Him.

How do you think He responded to that? If He was like you and me, He might have been angry with them, Fine—if that’s the way you want it, you’re on your own.

But Jesus said, “O Jerusalem…How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!” Even toward those who had rejected His compassion—He was still compassionate.

If you have ever rejected God, this is your chance to turn to Him. He’s not mad at you. His disposition toward you is compassion.